Pittsburgh with a 6 and 8 yr old
 

Hi

Thinking about taking my brother and his two kids for a weekend in Pittsburgh this spring. It would be kind of midway between us, and easy for him to drive with the two kiddos. Plus I will see how they handle something short and close to home - to get them ready for longer trips with Aunty when they get older!

What are the sorts of things kids would enjoy there? I'm thinking of the Carnegie Museum, for starters (isn't that the one that has the dinosaurs?) and if we time it right, maybe a Pirates game. My 8 yr old nephew would enjoy that. I bet my 6 yr old niece would too.

The idea is that once we get there, no more driving while there. Preferably walking or cabs if needed. We won't have time for Kennywood, in other words.

What would be a central area to stay, too? Thanks!

Some ideas:

Take a ride up the funicular (starting from Station Square) and enjoy the views from the top of the hill.

The Phipps Conservatory is a huge all-glass building with plant rooms for all different climates. Jungles, deserts, etc.

Point state park has an enormous fountain and is the place where two rivers joint.

Depending on the time of your visit, you could take in a hockey game at the Penguin's new arena.

Pittsburgh has the worlds smallest subway system -- you could take a ride from the point to Southside (where Station Square is).

There used to be some huge emporiums in the Strip District, like warehouses stacked to the ceiling with all kinds of imported things. I don't know if they're still there. Could be fun if you are in the area (for lunch, say), but may not be worth a special trip.

You could stay in Oakland (museums, Phipps), or Downtown (near the Point).

As you said, dependent on timing, I would agree with a Pirates game. Its still my favorite stadium. There has to be some kind of boat tour on 1 of the rivers. Also, agree with the ride up the funicular.

Thank you! These are excellent ideas, I'm getting psyched about this. The kids will love it.

As an example (since I do not know geography there all that well), would this be a good location?

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...urgh-downtown/

Yea that could work, although I don't think there's much in walking distance. Short cab rides to downtown, long cab ride to Oakland.

OK, thanks. If nothing is in walking distance, that isn't good. I'll have to map this out.

In lieu of or in addition to (depending on how much time you have in Pittsburgh), I'd take the kids to the Carnegie Science Museum. It's a hands-on science museum, which is always fun for kids. (My kids LOVED hands-on museums at that age.) And if the kids are interested in sports, the Highmark SportsWork (included in the price of admission to the Science Museum) is great! Lots of hands-on activities regarding the science of sports.

If you find yourself in Oakland to see the Carnegie Museum (with the dinos) or the Phipps Conservatory, take a walk through the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburg campus. The kids will feel as if they are in Hogwarts or a medieval castle. Also fun is a walk by the dinosaur sculpture honoring Mr. Rogers which is in front of WQED-TV on Fifth Avenue.
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM4V83

Finally, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is excellent and should be a nice outdoor excursion in the spring.

Pittsburgh is a lovely city, and, as it happens, I've been there with six and eight year olds. (Two of each at the time, plus some more.) My experience was in the winter, but you might get some ideas here: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...sy-journey.cfm

The Cathedral of Learning was unexpectedly popular with the six and eight year olds!

I'll recommend the National Aviary and, if possible, the private penguin tour. Our children and I spent a day in Pittsburgh as part of a small road trip a couple of summers ago; my report is here if you'd like to read it. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-questions.cfm

I recently hosted my oldest friend from high school, his wife and his 8 and 6 year old sons for a day and a half when they visited from San Antonio. The kids loved the National Aviary, Carnegie Science Center and Sports works on the north shore. The most fascinating to them was the submarine at the Science Center and letting birds feed out of their hands at the Aviary rainforest. We did park at both locations but it was cheap but if you are going to buccos game then pick one museums and park once.

Thanks everyone, these are great ideas! I'm getting excited and I'm not 6 or 8 yrs old!

Their birthdays are three weeks apart (well, two years, and three weeks). Since this is a joint present, I am going to send the first one a birthday card with a "I have a big birthday surprise for you and your brother, watch the mail for hints!" and put one hint inside her card. Probably something like a small picture of a penguin.

Next week, another hint in the mail.

The week after that, another hint.

When it's finally my nephew's birthday, I'll do the big unveil.

Heh heh heh!

What a great idea, Auntie Flygirl. This will certainly be memorable birthdays for them in more ways than one.

Good Ship Lollipop might be a good choice for a river cruise.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has the dinosaurs:
http://www.carnegiemnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs.html